Living in sunny California, we talk less about the way the different seasons affect us. But gray days or lots of snow aren’t the only types of weather that can cause a lasting effect on your mood. Just like some people get seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in the winter, you can also get summertime seasonal affective disorder.
Because summertime seasonal affective disorder usually causes different symptoms than winter-onset SAD, it’s helpful to know what to watch for. Let’s take a look at this less common type of SAD.
Symptoms of summer-onset SAD
Wintertime SAD usually causes extended periods of low mood because of limited time outdoors and minimal sun exposure. Summer SAD is different. In fact, researchers think that it might stem from too much sun.
Summertime seasonal affective disorder is marked by agitation. You might have trouble sleeping or lose your appetite. You may feel anxious or irritable.
At the same time, summer-onset SAD can pair all of this with the same symptoms as winter SAD: sadness, hopelessness, trouble concentrating, and loss of interest in things you enjoyed before.
Why experts think we get summertime seasonal affective disorder
We’re just starting to explore wintertime SAD, and summertime seasonal affective disorder is even less understood. Early research has linked your symptoms to too much sunlight. This causes your body to stop making melatonin, the hormone that regulates your sleep-wake cycle. This can throw your body out of whack, leading to your agitation and other symptoms.
Plus, you might have added social pressure during the summer. Friends may be planning regular events and your social media feed might make it look like everyone else is having fun in the sun. This can heighten your agitation and irritability.
Caring for yourself with summertime SAD
To combat your symptoms, scientists recommend looking for ways to keep yourself cool and sun-protected. You might want to get blackout curtains for your room to ensure you can get the sleep you need even when the sun sets late and rises early.
Keeping cool can also make a difference. If you don’t have A/C at home (as many of us don’t in Ventura County), plan your outdoor time strategically. You might go on a walk or run early in the morning or close to sunset so you don’t get overheated.
Ultimately, pay attention to how you’re feeling throughout the year. If you notice feelings of agitated depression each time summer rolls around, it could be summertime SAD.
You don’t have to suffer through the summer. To get tools you can use to feel your best even when the days are long and hot, we’re here. Get in touch with our team at the Ventura Counseling & Wellness Center.
